Latest news and updates
Four arrested on suspicion of human trafficking
24 October 2012
Four people were arrested this morning on suspicion of human labour trafficking following an operation carried out by our agency.
Our officers from the criminal and financial investigation team (CFI) raided 7 addresses in Huddersfield and Harrogate this morning. In total 33 officers from our agency were involved in the operation.
Our officers raided 3 business addresses in Huddersfield; Haq and Sanderson Immigration Ltd, Hillhouse Lane, Ezaah Tailorz in Lockwood Road and Ezaah Boutiques in Blacker Road. Three residential addresses in the town were also raided, along with a residential address in Harrogate.
The 4 people, three women, aged 35, 37 and 55, and a man, have been taken to police stations across Yorkshire for questioning.
The investigation is ongoing.
Adrian Watkins, Detective Inspector, UK Border Agency CFI Team said:
'Today we have arrested four individuals who we believe are part of an organised crime group involved in the trafficking of people from Pakistan to the UK. These individuals have now been taken into custody for questioning.
'Human trafficking is an extremely serious crime, which exploits some of society's most vulnerable people. The UK Border Agency will not hesitate in taking the strongest possible action against those involved.'
Our CFI team is a specialist unit of seconded police officers working alongside our warranted officers to investigate organised immigration crime.
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or complete the Report immigration crime form.